SNITTERTON HALL

PROPOSED LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM & REPAIRS TO NE PIER OF THE DAVIE EXTENTION Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2JG

DESIGN AND HERITAGE STATEMENT

1.0 Introduction

1.1 This statement is submitted in support of the Application for Listed Building Consent for the proposed lightning protection system and repair works to the NE pier of the Davie extension to the north elevation at Snitterton Hall.

1.2 Risk assessment was carried out which concluded that the Hall with its tall chimneys and the medieval Old Hall [similar height to the main house] are at risk of lightning. Also it is as part of the insurance underwriters requirement to install lightning conductor system.

It is proposed to install a Lightning Protection System to risk level ‘R3 - risk of loss of human life and risk of loss of cultural heritage’.

1.3 An archaeological Assessment of Impact has been prepared and is submitted with this application.

The locations for the earth mats have been located in areas where the ground have already been disturbed by previous works such as drainage, landscaping etc. [LB application ref: NP/DDD/1209/1133]; or where they will be disturbed by the paving works to the area outside the kitchen [LB application ref: NP/DDD/0913/0779]. Listed Buildings approval already obtained for all previous works.

2.0 Context and Setting (DA1)

2.1 Snitterton Hall is a Grade I listed building of outstanding national architectural and historic importance.

2.2 The present Snitterton Hall was built some time in the third quarter of the 16th century by the Sacheverell family, encasing either an even earlier timber-framed manor-house or the Snitterton Chantry which was dissolved, like the rest of the monastic foundations, in about 1540. What is believed to be a medieval undercroft is preserved beneath the west-end of the Hall and there are at this level some fine 15th century carved stones and a handsome 15th century door head.

2.3 In 1630 the Hall and the lands of Snitterton were sold to the Milward family of the Dove valley. John Milward, High Sheriff in 1635, had family and social connections with the old Elizabethan and new Stuart court in London. He promptly “improved” what had until then been a very simple manor house of one gabled wing and a great hall. In the next few years Milward added another gabled wing and totally: re-fronted and re-fenestrated the house with the pink sandstone and large twelve light windows.

2.4 The Hall faces south onto a picturesque lane that was once the Turnpike to Newhaven and Manchester.

2.5 Sir Nikolaus Pevsner in his volume on Derbyshire in the Buildings of England gives Snitterton Hall its own entry which begins with the words “A gem of an Elizabethan manor house”. Brian Bailey in his book Manor Houses of England lauds the “perfect setting” while Olive Cook in The English House Through Seven Centuries declares that Snitterton Hall is “movingly individual and poetic”.

2.6 Bench Architects have worked at Snitterton Hall since 1997 and have deep experience and understanding of this historically significant property.

3.0 Scope of Works, Material and Workmanship (DA2)

3.1 Lightning Protection: The strategy for the lightning conductor installation will be to conceal the conductors wherever possible. Vertical conductors on the external walls will be routed behind rainwater downpipes where possible, or in corners of the buildings, and some of the roof level conductors can be concealed behind parapets, however there will be a continuous conductor run along the full length of the roof ridge. The Lightning conductor to the main house will be linked to the conductor to the medieval Old Hall and the adjacent Cottage through a buried link. This work will be carried out as part of the works to repair and consolidate the paving located immediately to the West of Snitterton Hall.

There will be 10no. Lightning down conductors - 8mm circular copper conductors with coloured UV stable PVC sheathing, colour Stone (10B15) [o/a 10mm dia.] with 10no. 600x600mm lattice earth Mats installed @ 600mm below FFL. Earth Mats to be encased in Marconite earthing medium. Please refer to Best Services report and photos.

3.2 Davie Extension NE pier: With recent strong winds, the ivy covering the unfinished Davie Extension NE pier [early 20th C] to the north elevation of the main Hall came down and it exposed decayed edges of stone and brick [photos 1-4]. The proposal is removal the remaining ivy, repair and consolidate this pier using Birchover or Standcliffe carboniferous sandstone matching existing walls. The NW pier was in similar condition and it was repaired when the kitchen extension work was carried out in 1997/1998.

The materials and workmanship will be of the highest quality, commensurate with the importance of the building and the sensitivity of the context.

Fig.1: Existing Hall North Elevation – showing the Davie Extension Piers Fig.2: Existing North East Davie Extension Pier [from the east]

Fig.3: Existing North East Davie Extension Pier [from the north] Fig.4: Existing North East and the previously repaired North West Davie Extension Piers. 4.0 Environmental management (DA3)

4.1 The nature of the works is such that matters of renewable technology or sustainable measures are largely inapplicable.

4.2 The proposals are however designed to re-use as much sound existing material as possible. The use of local craftsmen and materials will be actively pursued, and where new materials are required they are to be of the highest quality in order to improve the longevity of the works carried out.

5.0 Privacy and Impact (DA4)

5.1 Due to the nature of the works, and the extensive and secluded nature of the site, no impact on adjoining properties is anticipated.

6.0 Conclusion

5.1 The proposed works will have no negative impact on the fabric or context of Snitterton Hall, and will provide a measurable improvement to both the appearance and protection of the existing buildings.

5.2 We believe the design approach is appropriate, fit for purpose, will minimise future risk of lightning to the buildings and improve the appearance of the Main Hall.